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Connect with Me

Links & Resources

Selected Skills

Project Management
Professional Communication
Data Analysis & Statistics
R Software
High-Resolution Respirometry
Exercise Testing
Phlebotomy
Doppler Ultrasound
In Vivo MR Spectroscopy

Ongoing Projects

A Guide for the Analysis of High-Resolution Respirometry Data Using R. Version 2 Available on GitHub

respirometR: A package for analyzing Oxygraph O2K data using R. Under development

Disclaimer

Last updated on 2023-10-21 using R version 4.3.1 and pagedown.

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Stephen Decker, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Academic Training

Postdoctoral Research Associate

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

2023

Ph.D. in Kinesiology

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

2023 - 2018

  • Mentor: Gwenael Layec, Ph.D. PubMed
  • Dissertation: On the Mechanisms of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Striated Muscle and Aorta
  • Worked with both humans (IRB) and animal models (IACUC). Mastered High-Resolution Respirometry, and Doppler Ultrasound by conducting dozens of independent experiments. Proficient in 31P-MRS, Western Blot, spectrophotometry, and assing H2O2 and mitochondrial membrane potential in permeabilized skeletal muscle.

PhD. in Nutrition & Integrative Physiology

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

2018 - 2017

  • Mentor: Gwenael Layec, Ph.D.
  • Transferred to the University of Massachusetts Amherst

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

Baylor College of Medicine

Houston, Texas

2017 - 2016

  • Supervisor: Dennis T Villareal, MD PubMed
  • Responsible for all clinical research exercise testing, prescription, and supervision over exercise sessions with high-risk clinical populations. All work was part of several clinical trials where I also analyzed and prepared the data for reporting.
  • Mastered VO2max tests with EKG, phlebotomy, muscle performance tests, and DXA scans by performing hundreds of successful tests on high-risk clinical populations, including elderly individuals with diagnosed heart diseases, PAD, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, and hypogonadism.

M.S. in Kinesiology

Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

2016 - 2014

  • Mentor: Dr. James Rowe
  • Thesis: Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Postprandial Lipemia and Glycemia

B.S. in Kinesiology

Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

2014 - 2010

  • Graduated with honors, Cum Laude

Research Philosophy

I am extremely passionate about research and the pursuit of knowledge. I strongly believe that, as a researcher, it is my duty to ask rigorous scientific questions that test the bound of current understanding, and share this new knowledge in ways that enable others to have few barriers to new findings. In order to accomplish these goals, it is crucial to establish an environment that is welcoming to and accepting of individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and to allow open discussion and communication among my scientific peers and the general public. I aim to bring an open mind and high expectations to my research, while maintaining an inclusive environment that also encourages free scientific thought and discovery.

First Author Publications

Tissue-specific mitochondrial toxicity of cigarette smoke concentrate: consequence to oxidative phosphorylation

American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology

N/A

2023

  • ST Decker, AA Matias, AE Cuadra, ME Erol, C Serviente, K Fenelon, G Layec

Effects of cigarette smoke on in situ mitochondrial substrate oxidation of slow-and fast-twitch skeletal muscles

Life Sciences

N/A

2023

  • ST Decker, AA Matias, ST Bannon, JP Madden, N Alexandrou-Majaj, …
  • [Pubmed]

Effects of acute cigarette smoke concentrate exposure on mitochondrial energy transfer in fast-and slow-twitch skeletal muscle

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Bioenergetics

N/A

2023

  • ST Decker, N Alexandrou-Majaj, G Layec
  • [PubMed]

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is involved in mitochondrial function and cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress

Free Radical Biology and Medicine

N/A

2023

  • OS Kwon, ST Decker, J Zhao, JR Hoidal, T Heuckstadt, KA Sanders, …
  • [PubMed]

Skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations induced by long-term cigarette smoke exposure

American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism

N/A

2021

  • ST Decker, OS Kwon, J Zhao, JR Hoidal, TP Huecksteadt, RS Richardson, …
  • [PubMed]

Co-Author Publications

From heart to muscle: Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying long-term physical sequelae from SARS-CoV-2 infection

Journal of Applied Physiology

N/A

2022

  • C Serviente, ST Decker, G Layec
  • [PubMed]

Sampling arterial input function (AIF) from peripheral arteries: comparison of a temporospatial-feature based method against conventional manual method

Magnetic resonance imaging

N/A

2019

  • X Li, CC Conlin, ST Decker, N Hu, M Mueller, L Khor, C Hanrahan, …
  • [PubMed]

Manuscripts Under Review

Mitochondrial Membrane Lipids in the Regulation of Bioenergetics

N/A

N/A

N/A

ST Decker, Vance J, Funai K

Under review in Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology

Manuscripts in Preparation

Effects of Acute Cigarette Smoke Exposure on Simultaneous Measurements of Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption and ROS Production In Situ

N/A

N/A

N/A

ST Decker, ST Bannon, T Huang, ME Erol, G Layec

Effects of Sedentary Time on In Situ Mitochondrial Substrate Oxidation Across the Human Lifespan

N/A

N/A

N/A

ST Decker, AA Matias, ST Bannon, JP Madden, ME Erol, S Chipkin, JA Kent, MA Miller, G Layec

Effects of Sedentary Time on In Situ Mitochondrial Substrate Oxidation Across the Human Lifespan

N/A

N/A

N/A

ST Decker, AA Matias, ST Bannon, JP Madden, ME Erol, S Chipkin, JA Kent, MA Miller, G Layec

31P-MRS of Alkaline Inorganic Phosphate in Young, Sedentary Adults: A Reproducibility Study

N/A

N/A

N/A

AA Matias, ST Decker, C Serviente, ME Erol, G Giuriato, R Nagarajan, Y Le Fur, G Layec

Oral Presentations

Connecting the Dots of the Power Grid: Assessing mitochondrial membrane potential and ADP/ATP translocase activity in permeabilized skeletal muscle fiber bundles

UMass Kinesiology Seminar Series

Amherst, Massachusetts

2021

The Physiological Role of Sirtuins: A Target for Aging or More Hype?

UMass Kinesiology Seminar Series

Amherst, Massachusetts

2019

Diversity Statement

I grew up in a very diverse community, where over 300 languages and dialects were spoken and many of my childhood friends hailed from all over the world. Exposure to different peoples, traditions, and ways of thinking have been an integral part of my personal life, therefore, I value and welcome a culture that accepts people for the unique perspectives and experiences that someone may bring to my professional life. I strive to create an environment that allows all people to have an equal and safe voice in the classroom and lab and, when appropriate, allow for meaningful interactions that allow students and trainees to better understand and value others’ perspectives.

Effects of Tetrahydrobiopterin on Limb Blood Flow and Muscle Metabolism in Patients with COPD

ISMRM Annual Meeting

Montreal, Quebec

2019

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Postprandial Lipemia and Glycemia

Texas ACSM

College Station, Texas

2016

Effects of Hot and Temperate Environments on Executive Function Tasks During Moderate and Intense Exercise

SFASU Undergraduate Research Conference

Nacogdoches, Texas

2014

Selected Posters & Abstracts

Oxidative Stress Induced By Long-Term Cigarette Smoke Exposure Does Not Alter Mitochondrial Respiration in Skeletal Muscle of C57BL/6 Mice

New Insights into the Biology of Exercise

Keystone, Colorado

2020

Knockout of the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) Increases Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria Content and Alters Mitochondrial Function

Muscle Biology Conference

Gainesville, Florida

2019

Effects of Tetrahydrobiopterin on Limb Blood Flow and Muscle Metabolism in Patients with COPD

ACSM Annual Meeting

Minneapolis, Minnesota

2018

Effects of Acute Exercise on Postprandial Lipemia and Postprandial Glycemia

Texas ACSM Regional Conference

Waco, Texas

2017

Funding

Research Development Award

National Kidney Foundation of Utah & Idaho

N/A

2023

Awarded $15,000 direct funds

T32 Metabolism Postdoctoral Fellowship

University of Utah Diabetes & Metabolism Research Center

N/A

2023

Awarded

Research Travel Award Recipient

UMass Amherst Department of Kinesiology

N/A

2020

Awarded $500

Predoctoral Fellowship

American Heart Association

N/A

2019

Not Funded

Trainee Stipend Award

International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine

N/A

2019

Awarded $200 and Conference Registration

Student Research Development Award

Texas American College of Sports Medicine

N/A

2016

Awarded $500

Honors and Awards

Student Research Poster Finalist - Masters Category

Texas American College of Sports Medicine

Waco, Texas

2017

Undergraduate Research Conference Top Scholar

Stephen F. Austin State University School of Honors

Nacogdoches, Texas

2014

* Denotes Instructor of Record

Teaching Philosophy

I am very enthusiastic about sharing knowledge and teaching. I believe it is important to acknowledge the numerous ways in which students learn, and how past personal experiences shape each student’s worldview and the learning process. Therefore, learning must be a journey that is tailored to students’ needs. I aim to bring an open mind and high expectations to the classroom, where I aspire to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that also encourages students to achieve higher learning outcomes.

Teaching Experience

KIN 272 - Anatatomy and Physiology II*

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

Kin 470 - Exercise Physiology Lab

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

KIN 270 - Anatatomy and Physiology I Lab

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

Kin 570 - Advanced Exercise Physiology

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

Kin 110 - Human Performance and Nutrition

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, Massachusetts

Kin 100 - Physical Fitness Concepts and Activities*

Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

KIN 120 - Foundations of Kinesiology*

Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

KIN 200 - Fitness Activites for Life*

Stephen F. Austin State University

Nacogdoches, Texas

American Red Cross CPR and Lifeguarding Instructor

Various

Texas

Professional Development & Training

Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist

American College of Sports Medicine

Indianapolis, Indiana

Current

Certified Exercise Physiologist

American College of Sports Medicine

Indianapolis, Indiana

Current

Oroboros O2k-Workshop on High-Resolution Respirometry (HRR)

Oroboros Instruments

Schröcken, Austria

2019

Trainees

Precious Oporum (Graduate)

Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K, mouse handling, statistical methodology, and general lab practices.

N/A

Present - 2023

Alexs Matias (Graduate)

Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K and the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound.

N/A

2022 - 2019

Enes Erol (Graduate)

Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K and the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound.

N/A

2023 - 2020

Venisia Paula (Undergraduate)

Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K.

N/A

Present - 2023

Sean Bannon (Undergraduate)

Honors Thesis: TBD

N/A

2023 - 2021

Mia Calderone (Undergraduate)

Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K and the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound.

N/A

2022 - 2020

Jack Madden (Undergraduate)

Trained how to collect skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration data using the Oxygraph O2K.

N/A

2022 - 2020

Jyotika Vallurupalli (Undergraduate)

Honors Thesis: Investigating the Roles of COVID-19 on Vascular Funciton”, “Trained the assessment of vascular function using Doppler Ultrasound and continuous non-invasive arterial pressure.

N/A

2018 - 2021

Sebastien Rauch (Undergraduate)

Honors Thesis: Validity and Specificity of Tetramethylrhodamine, Methyl Ester (TMRM) Dye in Mice Gastrocnemius Muscle Fiber Bundles for Assessing Mitochondrial Membrane Potential.

N/A

2020 - 2018